IB History of the Americas HL1
2016-2017 Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Davitt
Email: eriod: 1
Room: 201Tutoring Hours: M-F; 7:05-7:50 A.M.
Course Description:IB History of the Americas HL1 is the first year of the two-year course dedicated to studying topics of US, World, and Latin American history. The course takes a comprehensive and in-depth look on topics including the US Civil War, US Imperialism, World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Students will also be responsible for a 2200 page research paper which will be completed primarily during the second semester.
Required Books: As this is a college-level course, there will be substantial amount of reading. Students will be given a reading calendar to keep up with the readings. It is imperative that students keep up with the readings in order to stay on track and not get behind. Periodic “pop” quizzes will be given to test basic comprehension. At the conclusion of each book, students will write a 3-4 page summary analysis as well as be active participants in a class seminar discussing the book in which students will be graded based on their participation as well as depth of knowledge, comprehension, and understanding of the book.
Peter Charles Hoffer. Cry Liberty: The Great Stono Slave Rebellion of 1739: Oxford University Press, 2011. 9780195386608 (summer reading)
Charles B. Dew. Apostles of Disunion: Southern Secession Commissioners and the Causes of the Civil War: University of Virginia Press, 2002. 9780813921044.
Nicholas Lemann. Redemption: The Last Battle of the Civil War: Farrar, Strass, and Giroux, 2007. 9780374530693
David Fromkin. Europe’s Last Summer: Who Started the Great War in 1914?: Vintage, 2005. 9780375725753
Erik A. Johnson and Karl-Heinz Reuband. What we Knew: Terror, Mass Murder, and Everyday Life in Nazi Germany: Basic, 2006. 9780465085729
Robert F. Kennedy. Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis: W.W. Norton & Company, 1999. 9780393318340
Melvyn P. Leffler. The Specter of Communism: The United States and the Origins of the Cold War, 1917-1953: Hill and Wang, 1994. 9780809015740
John Lewis Gaddis. The Cold War: A New History: Penguin, 2006. 9780143038276
Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of key concepts and themes throughout United States, World, and Latin American History.
2. Be able to effectively comprehend and understand primary sources and historical secondary sources.
3. Become global thinkers as well as effective US and global citizens.
4. Increase their understanding of the past as to better understand the implications of the present on the future.
5. Understand and respect the differing opinions and beliefs that surround the same historical events.
6. Become effective communicators of history both in speech as well as writing.
7. Develop an appreciation of history as an important subject as not only in academics but also for the development of the individual and our entire society.
Internal Assessment: Part of the IB History course is the Internal Assessment, a 2200 page research essay to be completed and submitted before the IB History exam. The paper is on a historical topic of your choosing as long as it is historically relevant and in-depth. Although class time will be dedicated to completing the Internal Assessment, the majority of the paper will be done by the student on their own time. A calendar with due dates will be given out at the end of the first semester so students can prepare for successful completion of this assignment.
Course Rules/Policies
1. Cheating is never permitted. Cheating on a test, quiz, paper, final, etc. will result in an automatic zero as well as an immediate report to the dean. Cheating on homework will also result in an automatic zero and will be kept in a personal file. If cheating occurs multiple times on homework assignments, this will also result in a report to the dean. Remember that plagiarizing also constitutes as cheating. If you are unsure about whether or not you have plagiarized something, please talk to me.
2. Late work is an incredibly bad habit to get into. Late work can only get a maximum of half credit and after we have already finished the unit, late work will no longer be accepted. Especially for this course, it is crucial you stay up to date on your work.
3. All missed quizzes and tests must be made up. I am available before school at 7:05 A.M. as well as most days after school. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to speak to me regarding your missed work, assignments, etc.
4. Chewing gum, as well as eating or drinking in the classroom, is never permitted and will result in a fine as well as stricter disciplinary action if the student continues to fail to abide by these rules.
5. No falling asleep, phones, side conversations, or any other disturbances that take away from the class are allowed. Your grade will be negatively affected by these actions.
6. Please see me if you are having any issues or problems as soon as possible so the issue does not escalate into something more serious. I am readily accessible in person, by email, etc.
7. Participation in this course is highly encouraged/required. Please raise your hand and be respectful of others’ opinions and beliefs even if they do not match up with your own.
8. Stay organized by purchasing a large three-ring notebook where you can place all your notes, handouts, readings, etc. for this class. Make sure you always bring pens, paper and book to class.
Grade Break-Down
Terms Quizzes20%
Tests30%
Reading Quizzes/Homework15%
Classwork15%
Final10%
Research/IA10%
I have read and hereby agree to abide by the policies as outlined by Mr. Davitt and the Lancer Life.
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